Positive Reinforcement (Writing Challenge Day 5)
(based on Miko Tizon’s Zoo)
FORTUNE is running around the playpark. Frisky, he claws his way up a pole, only to jump down after a few steps. He rushed towards the wall and started clawing it using his declawed paws.
RUFUS enters.
RUFUS
Fortune? Fortune! You damn cat, stop doing that. Fortune!
Rufus goes to Fortune and drags him away from the wall.
FORTUNE
Rufus! Uncle Rufus, I didn’t smell you – see you. I didn’t see you.
RUFUS
You kids are supposed to be under the avian chambers.
FORTUNE
I don’t like it there! It’s so molty and feathery and full of bird poop –
RUFUS
Go now.
FORTUNE
No. I don’t want to.
RUFUS
I’m going to count to five.
FORTUNE
No.
RUFUS
One.
FORTUNE
No.
RUFUS
Two.
FORTUNE
Make me.
RUFUS
Three.
FORTUNE
Why are you adults so mean?
RUFUS
Four.
FORTUNE
No.
RUFUS
Four and a half.
FORTUNE
Please, just five more minutes, then I’ll slink off to that aviary like a good kitty-boy.
RUFUS
(exasperated yet jovial)
Fine. Five minutes, but I’m watching you.
Fortune miaows and runs around the park once more. Rufus chases him.
RUFUS
Not so loud, boy.
FORTUNE
Tell me another story, Uncle Rufus.
RUFUS
Now’s not the time.
FORTUNE
Please. Please please please please. I want to hear about the war again, how you got that bandage by your tail.
RUFUS
War stories aren’t for little kids, Fortune.
FORTUNE
Not fair. You adults always belittle me.
RUFUS
Be happy that I picked you up, not the other canine soldiers. You want your Uncle Chris to spank you again? Do you? Do you?
FORTUNE
No, Uncle Rufus.
Rufus sits by the swings.
FORTUNE
Why is everyone so excited today? Is there a party? Are we finally going to be let out?
RUFUS
Yes, Fortune, yes. If you behave yourself today, the good man from the government will come here, he’ll take a look at this place and see how nice little kitty-boys like you behave. Then he’ll let you go. You’ll get to see the malls again. You want that? You’ll be able to buy your own chocolate.
FORTUNE
Yes! Yes, Uncle Rufus, yes. I’ll buy chocolates. I’ll buy chocolate for everyone – for Ric, for the guard, for pretty Aunt Helen at the cafe, for grouchy Uncle Chris and for you, Uncle Rufus. I’ll buy you a nice big chocolate bar. And a bone, too.
RUFUS
Rascal.
FORTUNE
If the chocolate outside is tastier than the one’s here, the bones should be, too.
RUFUS
Yes, yes. The bones outside, indeed. Lying around, turpid smell, the flesh curiously removed.
FORTUNE
You’re scaring me, Uncle Rufus.
RUFUS
I’m sorry, dear boy. Listen, if you behave yourself today, I promise, you’ll be able to go out and buy your own chocolates.
FORTUNE
Okay.
RUFUS
You promise to be good and go to the avian chamber for little kitty-boys?
FORTUNE
I promise, Uncle Rufus.
RUFUS
You’re a good kid, Fortune. You deserve your chocolate.
Commotion is heard.
RUFUS
What the -? He’s here early. Damn! Fortune, listen kid, no time. Do not leave this spot. Hide, okay? Even if you see others get hurt, hide! Be a good kitty-boy. Stay here, do not be seen, do not be heard.
FORTUNE
What is going on, Uncle Rufus?
RUFUS
Remember the chocolate, kid. Remember the chocolate.
FORTUNE
Is everything alright –
RUFUS
Everything’s fine. The good man from the government’s here already. We’ll take care of this. You want chocolate? Promise to stay put.
FORTUNE
Uncle Rufus?
RUFUS
Yes?
FORTUNE
Will everything be okay?
RUFUS
When have I ever lied to you, kid? Now, be a good kitty-boy, okay? Good kitty-boys will always get the chocolate. Remember that, kid. Good kitty-boys will always get the chocolate.
